Shopping for a camper...

What's your RAWR and actual weight?

You’re good, with the proper equipment with virtually any short bed sized camper, if you’re not worried about possibly exceeding your gvw. The truck will handle either camper you’re proposing.

The 2015 GM 3500 SRW should have a 7050 rawr which is good for around 3500 lbs. Actual axle weights will tell him what he has to work with.
Agree with dealers. The truck will be fine up to its 7050 RAWR. Above that and tires/wheels will need to be upgraded. The axle is a AAM 11.5" and good for around 10800 lbs so.

JIMNLIN wrote:
The 2015 GM 3500 SRW should have a 7050 rawr which is good for around 3500 lbs. Actual axle weights will tell him what he has to work with.
Agree with dealers. The truck will be fine up to its 7050 RAWR. Above that and tires/wheels will need to be upgraded. The axle is a AAM 11.5" and good for around 10800 lbs so.

Our last truck was a GM SB diesel and we carry a much heavier camper than you are looking at.
You will likely need 295 tires with 129 LI.
With a little work, you should be fine.

Guys thanks for the quick response. On that other board I hear crickets. GVWR is 11,500lbs. Tare weight was 7,940lbs. Rear axle does come in at 7,050.

Tires are load range E 10 ply sidewalls with a 3525lb max load rating. Think I'm good there.

I spent 24 years on the road so I know about weights and why it matters. I've seen pickups bent in half and famlies killed because of negligence. That being said, I think I am over thinking this.

I bought this truck used with 53,000 miles on it. The truck was used to pull a gooseneck trailer and still has the BW hitch on it. It only weighs 75lbs, so I left it in there. It actually adds another crossmember between the frame rails. Also it has helper springs installed by previous owner.

I think it's time to stop thinking and go for what I want.

Longshore wrote:
Guys thanks for the quick response. On that other board I hear crickets. GVWR is 11,500lbs. Tare weight was 7,940lbs. Rear axle does come in at 7,050.

Tires are load range E 10 ply sidewalls with a 3525lb max load rating. Think I'm good there.

I spent 24 years on the road so I know about weights and why it matters. I've seen pickups bent in half and famlies killed because of negligence. That being said, I think I am over thinking this.

I bought this truck used with 53,000 miles on it. The truck was used to pull a gooseneck trailer and still has the BW hitch on it. It only weighs 75lbs, so I left it in there. It actually adds another crossmember between the frame rails. Also it has helper springs installed by previous owner.

I think it's time to stop thinking and go for what I want.

Agreed. Paralysis by analysis.
However, do not exceed tire ratings. When you finally get your rig you may find you are very close or over on your tires. You’d be surprised how heavy these things actually are after you load up.
Be safe-TC’s are great!

Your tires are my only concern. Go get it!

;)

Check out the Wolf Creek truck campers by Northwood MFG.

Well tomorrow my son and I are going to a dealer and will look at three Wolf Creek models. The light weight along with the interior design is open, kind of reminds me of the Cirrus 820, whice is 1000lbs heavier. I was really only looking at higher end units like Northern Lite or Lance, but getting in a few thousand cheaper is appealing too.

My tires are Michelin Defender load range E 10 ply. 165 70 18 I hope I don't have to replace them. If I did have to, what would be best? Would a larger tire be preferable?